Among the victims was 28-year-old reporter Anas al-Sharif, known for his extensive coverage from northern Gaza, along with correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. In total, seven people died in the attack.

Al-Sharif had been reporting on the dire conditions faced by civilians amid intensive Israeli military bombardments, especially targeting the eastern and southern parts of Gaza City areas he referred to as “fire belts.”

In his final video, loud explosions from Israeli missile strikes can be heard in the background as flashes of orange light briefly illuminate the dark sky.

In a final message written on April 6 to be published in case of his death, al-Sharif reflected: “I lived the pain in all its details, tasting grief and loss repeatedly, but I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or misrepresentation.”

He added, “I ask God to witness those who remained silent, those who accepted our killing, and those who suffocated our very breaths. Not even the mangled bodies of our children and women moved their hearts or stopped the massacre our people have endured for over a year and a half.”

He also expressed sorrow at leaving behind his wife, Bayan, and missing out on watching his son Salah and daughter Sham grow up.

In a statement, Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the strike as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom.” The network said the attack came amid the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which has included relentless civilian killings, forced starvation, and the destruction of entire communities.

“The order to assassinate Anas al-Sharif, one of Gaza’s bravest journalists, and his colleagues is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza,” Al Jazeera said. The network called on the international community and all relevant organizations to take decisive action to halt the ongoing genocide and end the deliberate targeting of journalists.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud, who was only one block away when the strike hit, described reporting on al-Sharif’s death as the hardest thing he has had to do in the 22 months of war. Mahmoud said the journalists were killed “because of their relentless reporting on the starvation, famine, and malnutrition suffered by Palestinians in Gaza, because they’re bringing the truth of this crime to everyone.”

The Israeli military issued a statement accusing al-Sharif of heading a Hamas cell and “advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops,” claiming to have documents providing “unequivocal proof” of his involvement. However, human rights analysts like Muhammed Shehada from the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor dismissed these claims, stating there was “zero evidence” al-Sharif took part in any hostilities.

The deaths of Anas al-Sharif and other Al Jazeera journalists highlight the serious challenges to journalists’ safety during conflicts and the fight to report the truth. Human rights organizations, media groups, and the international community have been urged to act to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.